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Whit Merrifield signs major-league contract with Atlanta Braves

Griffin Goodwynby: Griffin Goodwyn07/22/24griffin_goodwyn
Whit Merrifield
Jul 5, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Whit Merrifield (9) hits a single against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Former South Carolina utility player Whit Merrifield has been a model of consistency throughout his Major League career. But he has played uncharacteristically poorly in his age-35 season and was released by the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, July 12.

It did not take long for another MLB team to take a flyer on Merrifield, though. Per a report by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Merrifield is expected to sign a major-league deal with the Atlanta Braves and join the team on Monday.

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The Braves were in need of an additional infielder after learning that another veteran player will miss extended time. Second baseman Ozzie Albies will be out for around eight weeks due to a wrist fracture he suffered in the team’s 6-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday.

Merrifield spent the entire 2024 season thus far with the Phillies before being released. In 53 games, he slashed .199/.277/.295 with three homers and 11 RBI across 156 at-bats. Despite his lower-than-normal numbers, his positional versatility was likely his most attractive attribute to a new team. Merrifield has played both second base and outfield in his MLB career.

Merrifield has also played for the Kansas City Royals and Toronto Blue Jays during his nine-year career. Since his initial call-up in 2016, he is a career .281/.328/.415 hitter with 93 home runs, 481 RBIs and 212 stolen bases. Merrifield has appeared in three MLB All-Star Games, most recently in 2023.

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